- A
Configure the ALB with a TCP listener and use Network Load Balancer.
Why wrong: TCP does not provide encryption.
- B
Configure the ALB with an HTTPS listener and use HTTPS as the protocol for the target group.
HTTPS provides encryption in transit between ALB and targets.
- C
Configure the ALB security group to allow only encrypted traffic.
Why wrong: Security groups do not enforce encryption.
- D
Configure the ALB with an HTTP listener and use a security group to enforce encryption.
Why wrong: HTTP does not encrypt data.
SCS-C02 Data Protection Practice Question
This SCS-C02 practice question tests your understanding of data protection. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A company wants to encrypt data in transit between an Application Load Balancer (ALB) and its targets. Which configuration should be used?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Configure the ALB with an HTTPS listener and use HTTPS as the protocol for the target group.
Option B is correct because configuring an HTTPS listener on the ALB and using HTTPS protocol for the target group enables end-to-end encryption between the ALB and its targets. The ALB terminates TLS from the client and can re-encrypt traffic to targets using HTTPS. Option A is incorrect because ALB does not support TCP listeners; only HTTP and HTTPS are supported, and using a Network Load Balancer is not part of the ALB configuration. Option C is incorrect because security groups operate at the network layer and cannot enforce application-level encryption; they only allow or deny traffic based on IP and port. Option D is incorrect because an HTTP listener does not encrypt data in transit, and a security group cannot enforce encryption.
Key principle: ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Configure the ALB with a TCP listener and use Network Load Balancer.
Why it's wrong here
TCP does not provide encryption.
- ✓
Configure the ALB with an HTTPS listener and use HTTPS as the protocol for the target group.
Why this is correct
HTTPS provides encryption in transit between ALB and targets.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- ✗
Configure the ALB security group to allow only encrypted traffic.
Why it's wrong here
Security groups do not enforce encryption.
- ✗
Configure the ALB with an HTTP listener and use a security group to enforce encryption.
Why it's wrong here
HTTP does not encrypt data.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: ACLs stop at the first match
ACLs are processed top to bottom. The first matching entry wins, and an implicit deny usually exists at the end.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
ACL questions test precision: source, destination, protocol, port and direction. A generally correct ACL can still fail if it is applied on the wrong interface or in the wrong direction.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- Extended ACLs can match source, destination, protocol and ports.
- The first matching ACL entry is used.
- There is usually an implicit deny at the end.
TExam Day Tips
- Check inbound versus outbound direction.
- Read the ACL from top to bottom.
- Look for a broader permit or deny above the intended line.
Key takeaway
ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A healthcare organisation deploys an application with a public-facing web tier and a private database tier. The database subnet has no public IP and only accepts connections from the web tier's security group. Questions like this test whether you can design cloud network isolation using VNets/VPCs, subnets, and security group rules.
Quick reference
OSI Model Reference
| Layer | Name | PDU | Key Protocols / Devices |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Application | Data | HTTP, HTTPS, DNS, SMTP, FTP, SSH |
| 6 | Presentation | Data | TLS / SSL, JPEG, ASCII encoding |
| 5 | Session | Data | NetBIOS, RPC, SIP |
| 4 | Transport | Segment / Datagram | TCP, UDP |
| 3 | Network | Packet | IP, ICMP, OSPF — Routers |
| 2 | Data Link | Frame | Ethernet, Wi-Fi, PPP — Switches, Bridges |
| 1 | Physical | Bits | Cables, NICs, Hubs, Repeaters |
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related SCS-C02 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SCS-C02 question test?
Data Protection — This question tests Data Protection — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Configure the ALB with an HTTPS listener and use HTTPS as the protocol for the target group. — Option B is correct because configuring an HTTPS listener on the ALB and using HTTPS protocol for the target group enables end-to-end encryption between the ALB and its targets. The ALB terminates TLS from the client and can re-encrypt traffic to targets using HTTPS. Option A is incorrect because ALB does not support TCP listeners; only HTTP and HTTPS are supported, and using a Network Load Balancer is not part of the ALB configuration. Option C is incorrect because security groups operate at the network layer and cannot enforce application-level encryption; they only allow or deny traffic based on IP and port. Option D is incorrect because an HTTP listener does not encrypt data in transit, and a security group cannot enforce encryption.
What should I do if I get this SCS-C02 question wrong?
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related SCS-C02 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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